Facility Details - MT CARMEL, SC

Overview

Mt. Carmel Campground is located in the Old 96 District in South Carolina on J. Strom Thurmond Lake. The 70,000 acre lake and its 1,000+ miles of shoreline provide excellent boating, water skiing, swimming, fishing, hiking and picnicking.

Natural Features:

Hot, humid summers and mild, pleasant winters characterize this heavily wooded area on the shore of Thurmond Lake. A mixed pine and hardwood forest covers the site, providing summer shade and fall color.

Wildlife is abundant around the lake. Visitors regularly see southern bald eagles, migratory waterfowl, wild turkeys and whitetail deer.

Recreation:

Thurmond Lake provides some of the best fishing, hunting and water sports in the southeastern United States. Anglers fish for largemouth bass, bream, crappie, catfish and striped bass. The large lake offers endless boating, water skiing, jet skiing, canoeing and swimming opportunities.

Facilities:

This quiet, remote campground contains 44 sites, 39 of which have electrical hookups. Most sites are just a stone's throw from the shoreline. Other amenities include flush and vault toilets, drinking water, showers, a dump station and two boat ramps.

Did you know on July 12, 1775, the first overt act of the American Revolution in South Carolina took place adjacent to the park? The location was Fort Charlotte, located less than one mile from current day Mt. Carmel Campground, now part of the J. Strom Thurmond Project. The remnants of the historical fort are now under the surface of Thurmond Lake at Mt. Carmel Campground. A full-color interpretive panel is on display and relates the history of the fort. The site is open during regular campground hours.

Nearby Attractions:

Numerous parks and recreation areas lie around Thurmond Lake, providing additional boating, swimming, hunting, and hiking opportunities. Nearby cities house museums, art galleries, zoos, restaurants, and shopping areas. The Augusta National Golf Club hosts the Masters Golf Tournament annually the first week of April.

Activities and Amenities

Within Facility
Boat Ramp Dock Drinking Water Dump Station Flush Toilets	Pay Phone Showers Trash Collection Vault Toilets

Know Before You Go

Gates open at 7 a.m. and close at 10 p.m.

Visitor hours end at 9:30 p.m.

Alcohol is prohibited

Scooters, ATVs, and golf carts are prohibited; persons with disabilities may make special arrangements by providing appropriate documentation at the gate house

Check out time is 2 p.m.

For current lake conditions, contact 1-800-533-3478 ext. 1147

Getting There:

GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
33.95833, -82.53944
33°57'30"N, 82°32'22"W

From I-85: Take Exit 56 near Hartwell Lake, and take Savannah River Highway (HWY 24 to HWY 187 to HWY 81) south 51 miles. The campground is about 9 miles south of Calhoun Falls, SC. Turn left at campground sign.

From I-20: Take Exit 200 to River Watch Parkway. Turn right; drive northwest on HWY 28/221 to McCormick, SC. Go northwest 16.5 miles on HWY 28/81 to Mt. Carmel, SC. Look for campground sign in Mt. Carmel, SC, and follow it to the campground.